A Call To Ekiti Voters: Reject Bait, Build A Brighter Future

By Afolabi Olaiya 

It’s 2026, and another pivotal moment is upon us—the chance to choose leaders who will either lift us up or hold us back. 

Dear fellow Ekitians, let’s pause and ask ourselves a simple, honest question: What did that ₦5,000 handout during the 2022 elections really do for you after nearly four years?

I remember the buzz back then—the quick cash changing hands, the promises whispered in crowded markets and quiet villages. 

It felt like a lifeline in the moment, didn’t it? But fast-forward to today: Has it put food on your table consistently? Fixed the potholes on your roads? Or ensured your children have textbooks in school? For most of us, that money evaporated like morning dew, leaving behind the same struggles—rising costs, unreliable power, and a healthcare system that’s more hope than help. It’s a stark reminder that short-term gains often mask long-term pains.

The choice we make at the polls isn’t just about today; it’s about tomorrow and the years after. 

It has the power to make life better or worse for our families, our neighbors, and our state as a whole. That’s why I’m urging you—imploring you, really—to reject any form of inducement. 

Those envelopes stuffed with cash aren’t gifts; they’re chains. They buy silence, not solutions. Free your mind from the fog of temptation. 

Ask the tough questions: What are the candidates’ real plans? How will they address our crumbling infrastructure? And most importantly, who will put Ekiti first, not their pockets?

Let’s talk about priorities for a second. Imagine if the resources currently funneled into maintaining former governors—lavish pensions, endless perks—were redirected where they matter most. 

Our schools could have modern classrooms, qualified teachers, and supplies that actually show up. 

Our hospitals could be equipped to save lives, not just bandage wounds. Think about it: healthier kids learning in better environments mean a stronger Ekiti. 

It’s not a pipe dream; it’s a matter of reallocating what’s already ours. But it starts with us demanding accountability and refusing to be bought.

I’ve spent time digging into the options, talking to people across the state—from farmers in Ado-Ekiti to traders in Ikere. I won’t sit on the fence or play it safe. 

After careful consideration, I believe a better Ekiti is not just possible—it’s within reach with Ambassador Dare Bejide at the helm. 

He’s not a stranger to service; his track record speaks of integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to our people. 

Whether it’s improving agriculture to boost our economy or enhancing security so we can sleep soundly at night, Bejide represents the change we need.

But this isn’t about one person; it’s about all of us. Walk this journey with me. 

Let’s reclaim our state from the cycle of empty promises and build the Ekiti we truly deserve—one where opportunity knocks for everyone, not just the elite. 

Vote with your heart and your head. Say no to the quick fix and yes to lasting progress.

Together, we can turn the page. Ekiti, the future is calling—let’s answer it wisely.